Beethoven’s Ire
I heard there was an heroic symphony of Beethoven, still heard around the world.
It went like this: the third, the fourth, the fifth, as the music from his mind unfurled.
As 17th-century loyalties were transforming 17th-century royalties
A new wind of Liberty blew o’er the Continent, a revolutionary discontent.
It blew in on the French coast from its faraway American host
Franklin caught a glimpse from Lafayette, his host; Napoleon lifted a French toast.
Bur Ludwig’s restless angst turned aside, when he caught wind of Bonaparte’s pride.
As the times they were a changing, Ludwig began his rearranging.
Composing his third symphony to honor Bonaparte, Ludwig was off to a good start.
But when he heard that Napoleon had claimed the “Emperor” title
Ludwig was upset that the General would make himself an idle.
So he rubbed out the “Bonaparte” dedication and left just the the “Eroica” name
which is Latin for any person gains heroic fame.
For a man who had mastered the military stuff, it was a name good enough.
For a victorious generale, the “Eroica” word was good enough.
Cuz we have to be careful, in this world, to not assign too much glory
to strong men who like to hype their own story.
